Puppies are naturally klutzy as they figure out how their legs work, but as they mature, you expect them to outgrow some of their clumsiness. There are several breeds, however, that are clumsy their entire lives and you can expect them to keep tripping over their feet or falling over cracks in the sidewalk. Let’s take a look at the 10 clumsiest dog breeds.
Whippet
Many people compare the smaller whippet to the speedy Greyhound or Italian Greyhound. Both love to run and while the Greyhound will enjoy time on the couch with you while you are watching television, the Whippet seems to have two speeds: stop or go. They are constantly on the go and love to run at insanely fast speeds.
Because of their high-key nature, they do tend to run into things or fall off things often. They are one of the most accident-prone dogs because of their clumsy nature. If you have a Whippet, you can expect to spend time getting to know your veterinarian as they tend to your dog’s bumps and bruises.
Labrador Retriever
One of America’s favorite dog breeds is one of the clumsiest breeds. Their happy-go-lucky nature and tail-thumping make it almost impossible for them to fully understand spatial requirements for their big, exuberant bodies. They are quite clumsy at times, especially when they are seeking affection from their families.
Do not expect items on low tables or shelves to stay in place when you have a Labrador Retriever in the house. As puppies, they are learning how to navigate on their ever-growing legs, and as adults, they use their bodies to get your attention.
Greyhound
Many people would not believe that the world’s fastest dog is also one of the laziest and clumsiest dogs. When racing at top speed, a Greyhound will inevitably experience injuries. But, when running around the backyard, do not be surprised if they trip over things and take nasty spills.
Those who do not own a Greyhound may think these noble canines are graceful and breathtaking. However, those lucky enough to own one of the noble dogs will experience firsthand the total klutz that they can be when romping through the house or around the yard.
Saint Bernard
While these gentle giants do not mean to cause chaos, they simply do not understand their gigantic size needs plenty of space to maneuver. Saint Bernard puppies are some of the clumsiest pups until they discover their tree trunk legs really can hold their bodies upright and move at the same time.
Because these giant dogs grow so quickly, they are clumsy through adolescence and, once mature, will still have moments when their feet seem to get tangled in the grass or carpet, and down they fall. The Saint Bernard does not fully understand they are giants and will bump into furniture and knock people over.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler puppies seem to face-plant more often than most dog breeds, constantly tripping over things and running into stuff. As they grow, they do become less clumsy, but there will always be a small amount of silliness in them that makes them more apt to be a klutz from time to time.
This intelligent dog is impressive in looks and size, but what makes them the most impressive is they love to play games and be a little goofy at times. The sheer power in their bodies makes things a little more interesting when they start knocking things and people over with their exuberance.
Cocker Spaniel
The smallest breed in the sporting group, the Cocker Spaniel is also a clumsy dog. These adorable little dogs have a bubbly personality and can be hyperactive, making it easy for them to stumble over even the smallest obstacles and bump into tables and furniture.
Once the most popular dog breed, the Cocker Spaniel has seen a dip in popularity but is still a happy, sweet companion, especially for families with children. Their antics will keep you on your toes, just don’t be surprised if they trip over your feet or knock over small tables with their happy-go-lucky attitude.
Bulldog
Families that have owned a Bulldog often refer to them as a bulldozer. These dogs do not generally believe in going around objects but rather go through them. The snub-nosed pooches are adorable awake and when snoring in their sleep. Courageous and friendly, the dignified Bulldog is quite a klutz.
Bulldogs are a symbol of tenacity and courage and can easily adjust to any environment if they are with their families. When you own a Bulldog, you can bet there will be times when they bulldoze their way through life, and you are left on clean-up duty.
English Springer Spaniel
The tail on an English Springer Spaniel does not seem to ever stop. Many even have happy dreams and wag their tail in their sleep. These high-energy sporting pups have poor spatial awareness and will knock into people and furniture.
They have also been known to trip over toys, feet, and pretty much anything in their way when their excitement gets the best of them. English Springer Spaniels are the picture of elegance when racing through an open field or strutting their stuff in a show ring, but don’t be fooled, they can be clumsy at times.
Basset Hound
With short, stumpy legs, super long ears, and a thick, long body, the Basset Hound looks more like a cartoon character than a functional canine. But these lovable pups are one of the most recognizable breeds and people just love their wrinkled face and stubby legs.
The Basset Hound, though, is a pretty clumsy dog. They have been known to trip over their own feet, your feet, toys, and just about anything in their path that they do not notice. Basset puppies are adorable and klutzy, which makes them even more lovable.
Boxers
The noble Boxer is really a clown full of boisterous energy. Playing games is one of their favorite things to do and their joy and excitement can make them clumsy at times. They will leap, jump, bow down, and race around when they are excited; anything in their path may be bulldozed over or they will trip over it and take a tumble.
Do not be surprised when your Boxer shows their playful side and enjoys time playing games and tearing up toys. Also, do not be shocked when they trip over things or run into things, including people, and get knocked down. The clumsiness of the breed makes them that much more endearing to their owners.
Even the most elegant, light-footed dog breed can have their clumsy moments. But some breeds seem predisposed to clumsiness, and that just makes them lovable to their owners. Whether it is the sleek Whippet or the giant Saint Bernard, these clumsy dog breeds are fun, sassy, and dearly loved by their people.
